Fat Tuesday

I'm extrememly perplexed at the reaction to the climbers that had to be rescued in Oregon. Of course it could be the twist of the media, but all I hear is how stupid they were and how they should have to pay for what the rescue cost taxpayers and how they should be brought up on animal cruelty charges for taking Velvet (the dog that "saved" them) up on the mountain. And that they must be horrible teachers.

?????????? WHAT???????

Here's my take. From what the rescuers had to say, they were very responsible climbers. They made one navigtational error and could not recover due to the weather conditions. They used all of the appropriate measures to protect themselves AND THEIR DOG from the elements. They carried equipment designed to help them be rescued and used it. People make navigational errors on our highways all the time that cause harm to themselves and countless others. People fall off of ladders, fall out of trees, swim too long and get tired...we all make mistakes or have accidents. Those errors result in the mobilization of paramedics, ambulances, police officers and sometimes volunteers to "rescue" them. In effect, we are all paying for each others "navigational errors" with our tax dollars. Give 'em a break.

In regard to Velvet (the dog)...there is no place a companion animal would rather be than with their "companion." Dogs have survived for YEARS in the cold...hello??? Dogsledding? Would the naysayers have rather the dog been tied to a tree while her humans were climbing? Even I can say it (just don't tell Dude)...she's a DOG. And she's fine. And she's far better off with people who let her be a dog than those who keep their animals in small purses or locked in a crate.

And, finally, what does their profession have to do with this experience on the mountain? People are saying that they aren't qualified to be teachers because of their lack of common sense. I believe it was their common sense that saved them. I believe I would rather be taught by, and have my children taught by, people who do rather than say. I believe the same people who are saying the climbers aren't smart enough to teach are the same people who are too lazy to be good teachers themselves, let alone climb a mountain.

And now...I will hop off this soapbox...and go take my dog to the river.